Forging A Family

Jennifer Lester’s first memory of her eldest daughter, Mya, isn’t set in a maternity ward.

It’s set in a house in Austin.

“She was in her high chair and she was eating eggs and we just fell in love with her,” she said.

Mya, now 6, was the first of two girls Jennifer and Scott Lester adopted. The second, DeRenne, 4, joined the family six months ago. The family will finalize her adoption May 20.

The Lesters had gone to Austin to meet Mya, then a toddler, at her foster home.

For the Lesters, adopting children was something they’d thought about a long time. The couple had worked at a Baptist children’s home, and had seen the need for adoptive parents.

The couple visited DePelchin Children’s Center, a Houston-based agency that provides social services for children. From there, the Lesters attended classes and went through home study, where the agency checks out the potential parents home life.

Several weeks later, Scott and Jennifer met their new daughter.

“It was a very easy process,” Scott said. “A lot easier than I expected.”

The Lesters vividly remember the day Mya officially joined their family. They were in Austin to see the judge who would finalize the adoption. Friends and family attended the event.

“We were in the car and (Mya) said, ‘I’m so happy,’ and that was really special to because that mirrored what I was feeling,” Jennifer said.

DeRenne, the Lesters newest daughter, has given them some special memories as well. The girl was older than Mya was when the Lesters adopted her, and they were apprehensive about how well she would adjust to her new family.

They didn’t have to worry. One day, DeRenne was sitting on the couch and she saw a picture of Scott, Jennifer and Mya hanging on the wall.

“I need to be in the picture,” she said.

On Mother’s Day, the Lesters will most likely grab some food and go out for a picnic like they have done in previous years. And even on a day when mom will be the center of attention, Jennifer and Scott Lester know that the day wouldn’t be a cause for celebration without their daughters.

“Some people say ‘you’re doing such a good thing for these kids,’ but to us it’s just the opposite,” Jennifer said. “These kids are such a blessing to us. We have learned so much about love and happiness.”